Six People Arrested Over Burglaries

27 May 2011, 12:33

Six people have been arrested by police investigating a series of house burglaries across south east Hampshire.

On Friday, May 27 around 80 officers executed search warrants at eight addresses in the Paulsgrove, Portsmouth and Petersfield areas, targeting individuals suspected of being involved in a series of linked dwelling burglaries and searching for property and evidence from these offences.

Three men and one woman were arrested during the course of these warrants and it is anticipated that further arrests will be made.

The three men, aged 25, 28 and 41, and a 29-year-old woman are currently in custody and will be interviewed later. Searches are ongoing at the premises.

The warrants follow the arrest of two men on Thursday, May 26. The men, aged 26 and 21, are both still in custody and will be interviewed by officers later.

All six arrests are part of Operation Hercules, an investigation led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

Detective Inspector Adam Price said: “Hampshire Constabulary is committed to actively targeting dwelling burglars, a crime which can have a devastating impact on the victims.

“We are seeking to arrest those responsible, and are working with the Crown Prosecution Service to build the strongest possible cases to try and ensure that those committing burglaries receive significant prison sentences.”

Inspector Gary Munt, responsible for policing in Cosham, said: “We would like to reassure the local community that their concerns about suspected criminals living in their community are taken seriously..

“We will listen to what they tell us and act in a robust way to ensure that anyone who tries to blight the lives of the vast majority of honest and proud local residents will be brought to justice.

“To assist with any further community concerns regarding this operation, I will have a team of Safer Neighbourhood officers on duty throughout the day and evening in Paulsgrove today who will be happy to speak with anybody about policing in the area.”

Anyone with information about crime in their area which could help police is urged to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101. Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.